"But with his strength, eliminating him won't be easy!" Gu Hai stated directly, "Moreover, this kid managed to kill over a dozen Venerables. Could he already possess Heavenly Venerable strength?"
"Heavenly Venerable?"
Shen Zhanguo furrowed his brow. "If that's truly the case, this matter is indeed difficult to gauge."
"Then what should we do?"
With a solemn expression, Gu Hai inquired again. If Lu Fan was not dealt with, even he felt apprehensive.
After all, this matter was no trivial affair and involved far-reaching consequences. Especially since he had already made a move against Lu Fan, Lu Fan would surely bear a grudge.
"I will send someone!"
Shen Zhanguo said coldly, "Anyone who dares to offend this Prince, I will tear them limb from limb."
"With the Prince personally sending someone, it will surely be twice the result with half the effort!"
Gu Hai revealed a pleased expression, then bowed slightly, showing a hint of smugness. He had been worried initially, but now it seemed his fears were unfounded.
Not long after, Gu Hai left the imperial city, appearing quite leisurely. Shen Yehong, however, arrived at the First Prince's palace, her face showing dissatisfaction.
"Brother, did you send someone to deal with Lu Fan?" Shen Yehong asked.
"You're referring to that presumptuous brat?"
Shen Zhanguo replied indifferently, "Your news is quite fast. Unfortunately, it wasn't successful. Otherwise, that kid would surely have been taught a lesson. Daring to offend me comes with dire consequences."
"Brother is truly thick-headed. Do you think what you did was beneficial to you?"
Shen Yehong stated directly, "If something happens to him, you will likely be in trouble!"
"Ridiculous. I, the First Prince of the mighty Taiyan Dynasty, would face any trouble?" Shen Zhanguo said coldly.
"Do you know why Second Brother is so fawning towards him?"
Shen Yehong shrugged. "Brother should know, I've entered Tongtian Academy, and those few are also students of Tongtian Academy. Within Tongtian Academy, they are highly esteemed by the elders. If anything were to happen to them, the elders would surely demand an explanation, and even the Emperor would find it difficult to handle."
"They are also from Tongtian Academy?"
The First Prince frowned, his expression instantly changing. If that were the case, he would have to reconsider dealing with Lu Fan and the others, lest it cause unnecessary trouble.
"That's right, they are all from Tongtian Academy!"
Shen Yehong stated directly, "If anything happens to them, Tongtian Academy will definitely demand an explanation. By then, Brother will be reprimanded by the Emperor, and it might even affect your succession."
"How do you know so much?"
Shen Zhanguo frowned. "Did Second Brother tell you?"
"It's obvious to everyone in the Taiyan Dynasty that the two of you are competing for succession."
Shen Yehong stated directly, "Second Brother has been currying favor with people from Tongtian Academy to increase his bargaining chips. If it truly comes to that, it won't be good for Brother."
"So, according to you, I shouldn't touch your friends?" Shen Zhanguo narrowed his eyes. "You have always been indifferent to matters of the imperial city, yet now you care so much. It's likely for your friends?"
"Brother, I'm saying all this for your own good. If you think I'm begging for them here, then consider me to have said nothing."
Shen Yehong stated directly, "Let alone whether you can kill them, even if you do kill them, you will be the one to suffer in the end."
"Then what should I do?" Shen Zhanguo frowned. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't have paid them any mind, but Lu Fan and the others were not ordinary and were not easily dealt with.
"Naturally, you should show respect and personally go to apologize."
Shen Yehong said directly, "Only by doing so can you show them sincerity, at least so they won't be your enemies."
"You want me to go and apologize?"
Shen Zhanguo sneered, "You've calculated this quite well!"
"I'm telling you the truth. If you're unwilling, then I can't help it!"
Shen Yehong stated directly, "This matter is not something I can control. Everything depends on Brother's decision!"
"Absolutely not. I, the First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty, how could I possibly bow down to them!"
Shen Zhanguo shook his head, his gaze growing colder, without any hint of evasion.
Facing these words, Shen Yehong frowned. "Since Brother is so resolute, then consider me to have never said these words!"
After speaking, Shen Yehong prepared to leave but was called back by Shen Zhanguo. "Fine, fine. Since they are disciples of Tongtian Academy, I shouldn't make enemies with them. You lead the way, I'll go and apologize."
"Does Brother truly mean this?"
Shen Yehong's eyes lit up. "If that's truly the case, it will only be beneficial for Brother, with no downsides!"
Shen Zhanguo said nothing more. If it weren't for his apprehension towards Tongtian Academy, he wouldn't have considered apologizing. However, with matters having reached this point, he had no choice but to do so, lest it cause him unfavorable consequences in the future.
Not long after, Shen Zhanguo departed the imperial palace in a carriage, heading towards Shenxian Ju, his expression quite solemn.
"Brother, when you show goodwill, you can't have a stiff face, or they won't feel your sincerity!"
Shen Yehong said, "You must do as I say."
"I know, I know!" Shen Zhanguo waved his hand, feeling somewhat wronged. He, the First Prince of an imperial dynasty, had to apologize to others. If this were to spread, what would become of his reputation as the First Prince?
At this very moment, Lu Fan and Bi Qing were conversing in the courtyard. Upon seeing several carriages arrive outside Shenxian Ju, Lu Fan felt a bit perplexed. When they observed closely, they realized it was Shen Yehong and Shen Zhanguo.
"Why is he here? Is he here to kill you?" Bi Qing instantly became vigilant. "But why is Shen Yehong accompanying him?"
"If he were truly here to kill me, he wouldn't be so brazen!" Lu Fan shook his head and smiled. "He must have some other business."
As they were talking, Shen Yehong spoke, "You don't need to wonder. My brother is here to apologize to you. He didn't know you were disciples of Tongtian Academy before, which led to many offenses. Therefore, he hopes you won't mind."
Shen Zhanguo also nodded slightly. "That is indeed my intention."
"Meaning, the assassination by the Gu family's young master earlier was instigated by the First Prince?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, with a knowing expression.
"That's right, it was indeed at my behest!" Shen Zhanguo did not conceal it. "Otherwise, they wouldn't have dared to act so rashly!"
"The First Prince is quite direct, not hiding anything at all!" Lu Fan smiled faintly.
"Since I am here to apologize, sincerity must come first." The First Prince said directly, "Luàn Shì, I knew of your identities early on, and I would never have acted against you. I hope you all don't misunderstand!"